Questions about IRA decommissioning from unionists would not usually be seen as friendly gestures by Irish Ministers, particularly when they have to answer them in a European forum.
Yesterday, however, a query from Mr John Taylor MP, in the parliamentary assembly of the European Council in Strasbourg, sparked such good vibrations with the outgoing Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, that some members present must have thought the two men belonged to the same party.
Mr Taylor asked Mr Andrews: "Which parties to the Belfast Agreement . . . have honoured their obligations". However, instead of pushing the opportunity to squeeze some criticism of Sinn Fein from the Minister, Mr Taylor recommended Mr Andrews to posterity.
"How sad I am that he is leaving us. When the history of the Belfast Agreement is written, his name will be prominent."
Mr Andrews promptly returned the compliment. He recalled Mr Taylor's courtesy and consideration for the Taoiseach's bereavement during the agreement negotiations, and added: "The history of those negotiations will give an excellent account of his stewardship."
"I've always liked Mr Andrews," Mr Taylor told The Irish Times before the meeting. "I thought it would be a nice gesture to give him a chance to express himself on the agreement since he was one of its architects. But I also want to highlight that IRA/Sinn Fein are not honouring their commitments."